Key Stats
Aviva Plc stands as the largest general insurer in the United Kingdom and operates as a leading provider of life insurance, pensions, and wealth management services. The company serves customers across the UK, Ireland, and Canada through its diversified portfolio of insurance and financial products.
Headquartered in London, Aviva traces its roots back over three centuries to the Hand in Hand Fire & Life Insurance Society established in 1696. The modern company emerged from the merger of Norwich Union and CGU plc in May 2000. Today, Aviva holds a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange as a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Aviva provides comprehensive insurance solutions including motor, home, health, and travel coverage for individuals. The company also delivers commercial insurance products for businesses of all sizes. Its wealth and retirement division offers pensions, annuities, and investment management services through Aviva Investors.
Aviva History
The Aviva history spans more than three centuries of insurance innovation and corporate evolution. The company represents the culmination of numerous mergers involving some of the oldest insurance firms in British history.
Aviva Co-founders
Aviva emerged through mergers of several historic insurance companies, each with their own founding figures. The key founders of the predecessor companies shaped the modern Aviva group.
Aviva Competitors
Aviva operates in a competitive insurance market alongside major global and regional insurers. The company competes for customers across life insurance, general insurance, and wealth management sectors throughout the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Similar to other major UK-headquartered financial services companies, Aviva faces competition from both domestic insurers and international groups with strong European presence. The company maintains competitive advantages through its diversified product portfolio and extensive distribution network.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Markets | Key Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA | Paris, France | Europe, Asia, Americas | Life, Property & Casualty, Asset Management |
| Allianz | Munich, Germany | Global | Property & Casualty, Life, Asset Management |
| Prudential | London, UK | UK, Asia, Africa | Life Insurance, Pensions, Wealth Management |
| Legal & General | London, UK | UK, US | Life Insurance, Pensions, Investment Management |
| Zurich Insurance | Zurich, Switzerland | Global | General Insurance, Life Insurance |
| Admiral Group | Cardiff, UK | UK, Europe | Motor Insurance, Home Insurance |
| Aegon | The Hague, Netherlands | Europe, Americas, Asia | Life Insurance, Pensions, Asset Management |
| RSA Insurance | London, UK | UK, Canada, Scandinavia | Personal & Commercial Lines |
| Phoenix Group | London, UK | UK, Ireland | Life Insurance, Pensions |
| Generali | Trieste, Italy | Europe, Asia, Americas | Life, Property & Casualty, Asset Management |
Aviva Revenue
Aviva revenue reached £22.74 billion in 2024, representing a 5.36% increase from the previous year. The company generates income through insurance premiums, investment returns, and fee-based services across its life insurance, general insurance, and asset management divisions.
Revenue growth reflects strong performance in the Insurance, Wealth & Retirement segment with sales up 22% to £43.5 billion. General insurance premiums increased 14% to £12.2 billion during the same period.
The revenue decline between 2020 and 2022 reflects Aviva’s strategic divestment program. The company sold operations in France, Turkey, Italy, Poland, and Vietnam to focus on core markets. Revenue rebounded in 2023 and 2024 as the streamlined business delivered organic growth.
Aviva Marketcap
Aviva market capitalization stood at approximately £19.77 billion as of November 2025, representing a 56% increase over the previous year. This growth reflects positive investor sentiment following the Direct Line acquisition and strong operational performance.
The company’s market value positions it among the leading financial services firms listed on the London Stock Exchange. Aviva maintains a Solvency II shareholder cover ratio of 203%, indicating strong capital resilience.
Market capitalization fluctuated between 2015 and 2024 due to broader market conditions, strategic portfolio changes, and evolving investor expectations. The company’s valuation has recovered strongly in 2025 following completion of the Direct Line acquisition.
Aviva Acquisitions
Aviva has pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen market position and expand service offerings throughout its history. The company’s acquisition strategy has evolved from international expansion to a focused approach on core UK and Ireland markets.
The 2015 Friends Life acquisition represented a transformative deal that created a dominant life and pensions player in the UK market. This £5.6 billion transaction added significant scale to Aviva’s retirement and savings business.
In 2023, Aviva acquired AIG Life Limited from Corebridge Financial for £460 million. This purchase expanded the company’s protection insurance portfolio and customer base in the UK life insurance market. The deal completed in April 2024 following regulatory approval.
Aviva entered the Lloyd’s of London market through its £242 million acquisition of Probitas in March 2024. This deal provided access to specialty insurance lines and international reinsurance markets.
The most significant recent acquisition involves Direct Line Group. Aviva agreed to purchase this motor and home insurer for £3.7 billion in December 2024. The deal completed on July 1, 2025, creating the UK’s largest motor insurer with combined premiums exceeding £16 billion. Management expects £225 million in annual cost synergies by 2028.
Earlier acquisitions included RAC plc breakdown services purchased for £1.1 billion in 2005 and later sold in 2011. Aviva also acquired AmerUs Group in the United States for $2.9 billion in 2006, though this business was subsequently divested in 2012 as part of the company’s strategic refocusing.
FAQs
When was Aviva founded?
Aviva was founded on May 30, 2000, through the merger of Norwich Union and CGU plc. The company was initially named CGNU plc before shareholders voted to rename it Aviva plc in April 2002.
Who owns Aviva?
Aviva is a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Ownership is distributed among institutional investors, pension funds, and individual shareholders who hold shares in Aviva plc.
What does Aviva do?
Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, pensions, savings products, and investment management services. The company serves individual and business customers across the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Is Aviva the largest UK insurer?
Yes, Aviva is the largest general insurer in the United Kingdom. Following the 2025 Direct Line acquisition, Aviva became the UK’s largest motor insurer with market-leading positions across multiple insurance lines.
Where is Aviva headquarters located?
Aviva is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company operates from offices throughout its core markets including Ireland and Canada while maintaining international investment partnerships in India and China.
